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Title: Cutting Down on Coffee: A Surprising Journey of Anxiety and Wellness For the past decade, coffee has been an integral part of my daily routine. Nothing but the flu has ever kept me away from my beloved Americanos. However, earlier this year, I made the decision to cut down on my coffee intake. As someone with an anxiety disorder, I had heard about the connection between caffeine and heightened anxiety

Despite not personally experiencing this correlation, my friends insisted that reducing my coffee consumption could alleviate my anxiety. Intrigued and skeptical at the same time, I decided to take their advice and see what would happen. Although I didn't prepare for the reduction in caffeine, I immediately noticed a positive change on the first day. Energized from a morning run, I didn't feel the need for an extra caffeine boost for the rest of the day. However, the following day presented an entirely different experience

Without my second cup of coffee, I felt exhausted and struggled to maintain my energy levels. To complicate matters, I experienced a persistent headache, possibly due to dehydration from the previous day's run. Nonetheless, I persisted and had my one and only cup of coffee the next morning, alleviating the withdrawal symptoms. On the fifth day of my reduced-caffeine challenge, the fog finally lifted. I felt headache-free and enjoyed sustained energy levels comparable to when I used to consume two cups of coffee

Notably, my anxiety seemed significantly reduced. My boyfriend even commented on my newfound calmness. While I still had moments of spiraling thoughts, they felt more manageable, and I noticed a decrease in physical anxiety symptoms such as a racing heart. Neuroscientist and transformation coach, Eldin Hasa, explains the link between coffee and anxiety. Caffeine stimulates the release of adrenaline, a hormone associated with stress responses

This can lead to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and even panic in susceptible individuals. Additionally, caffeine disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, inhibiting the calming effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Elevated cortisol levels due to coffee consumption can further contribute to anxiety symptoms. Reflecting on my experience, I was shocked to discover how much caffeine had been impacting my mental health. Despite being cautious with my intake, I had never connected my anxiety with coffee

Hasa explains that the anxiety effect can be immediate or build up over time, depending on an individual's caffeine consumption habits. Cutting down on coffee has not only improved my anxiety but also had other side effects. My bathroom habits have changed, and I've become more attuned to my body's rhythms and mindful of my fiber intake. Despite these minor changes, I plan to keep a daily cup of coffee in my routine for the benefits it provides. Coffee has been extensively studied for its cognitive-enhancing effects, improving alertness, concentration, and mood

It has also shown neuroprotective properties and potential in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Whether or not coffee affects your mental health, it's always beneficial to examine your relationship with it. Hasa emphasizes that while coffee alone may not cause anxiety, it can exacerbate symptoms in those prone to or with underlying anxiety issues. Cutting down on caffeine has had a surprising impact on my anxiety, transforming my relationship with coffee and my overall well-being.